Marsha Jones, Director of Quality Governance and Assurance at NHS South West London, was named Nurse of the Year at the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Health and Care Awards on 28 September at the Royal College of Physicians.
According to one of the award judges, Marsha demonstrates, “vision, strong leadership, breadth of expertise, and creative thinking”. She is described as a role model with compassion, who inspires others to follow suit and thrive. Her award recognises a deep commitment to ensuring that all staff, especially those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, are empowered to achieve as they navigate their NHS careers.
Another judge highlighted Marsha’s, “cornucopia of skills,” which she uses to “implement, support and deploy initiatives that are making an impact and significant differences.”
“I do what I do because I love it. My ethos is – everything you do, do it positively – each day is your opportunity to be a better person.”
Marsha’s varied career has taken her from science teacher to leading advocate for patient safety. Marsha began her working life teaching chemistry, physics, biology and additional maths, but – describing herself as a bit of a “nerd” for learning – she soon switched to nursing.
Since then, she has spent almost 25 in the NHS, caring for people at every life stage – she is a qualified midwife too, and, as a patient safety expert, has put in place measures to improve the lives of people in care homes and at the end of their lives.
Marsha’s career has seen her working in acute hospitals, district nursing, diagnostics, maternity and many other roles. Before joining NHS South West London, she was deputy chief nurse at Epsom and St Helier Hospital. She is also a Mary Seacole Scholar, a Darzi Fellow, a Nye Bevan graduate and a Nurse Fellow in NHS England’s Chief Nursing Officer team.
When my name was called, with so many people cheering, the hugs along the way, I felt graciously proud.”
Marsha describes the moment when she was called up to the podium to receive her award: “I was quite surprised, it was a long shortlist and they don’t tell you beforehand that you’ve won – you don’t have a clue. The chief nurse for England, Ruth May, presented the award. When my name was called, with so many people cheering, the hugs along the way, I felt graciously proud.
“I do what I do because I love it. My ethos is – everything you do, do it positively – each day is your opportunity to be a better person. Whether in my personal or professional life that is my aspiration. So to be rewarded for that made me very proud – and humbled.”
Always a keen advocate for patients, one of Marsha’s proudest achievements was implementing Significant Seven in care homes. This early warning system for deterioration in patients improved the experience of care home residents and reduced trips to hospital.
When it comes to encouraging Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff in their careers, Marsha takes time to support people with applications, interview preparation and personal statements, while actively sharing opportunities to help them keep abreast of current practices.
Above all, Marsha is a people person, who, according to the colleague nominating her for her award, truly lives by the by the African proverb Ubuntu, which means ‘I am, because you are’.